122 COMMITTEE O N ENERGY AND COM M ERCE SUBCOMMITTEES: ENERGY AND POWER COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY Co-CHAIR: COALITION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON ROBOT ICS The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman ctrongress of tbe ~ntteb ~tates j!}ouse of l\epresentatibes MIKE DOYLE 14TH DISTRICT, PENNSYLVANIA February 15,2017 Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: WASHINGTON OFFICE: 239 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-2135 DISTRICT OFFICES: 2637 EAST CARSON STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15203 (412) 390-1499 11 DUFF ROAD PENN HILLS, PA 15235 (412) 241- 6055 627 lYSLE BOULEVARD McKEESPORT, PA 15132 (412) 664-4049 We write to urge you to reconsider your recent action to block the implementation of the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline Modernization Order that makes internet access more affordable to struggling Americans. As you know, broadband has become an essential part of modern li fe, providing a way for the unemployed to find jobs, for the sick to manage their healthcare, for families to connect with loved ones, for all citizens to engage with the government, and for student to access education. But for many struggling families , the only way to get access to these critical services is through the Lifeline program. The Lifeline Broadband Provider (LBP) process was created last year to lessen barriers to entry for new Lifeline broadband providers so that low-income families can benefit from a more competitive Lifeline market brought about by the new participants. At least one provider impacted by your decision already has customers benefiting from this new process, giving them the tool to connect with the outside world. But the FCC's action is putting this tool out of reach-and for existing customers, it is pulling it out of their hands. The FCC's order has prevented new entrants to the Lifeline market from immediately offering discounted service to the Americans who need it most. Moreover, this total reversal of existing FCC rules was done by the Wireline Bureau under delegated authority, without a vote by the full Commission or proper notice to the parties affected. Since the Order itself raises many novel questions of law and policy concerning the Commission's efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program, issuing the order through the Bureau not only undermines the ability of affected carriers to seek timely review ofthe decision, it is also an abuse of the FCC's process. The reasons given for taking these actions do not seem to justify the extreme results. While the order states that the revocations are necessary to prevent further waste, fraud, and abuse, the order does not explain how its actions will accomplish those goals. Furthermore, since the Order raised many novel policy questions regarding the Commission's current efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Lifeline program, we find it troubling that the Chairman would insist on pursuing Contact me through: h ttp://www.doyle.house.gov PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER I the same course he has so often criticized his predecessors for: an improper exercise of the FCC's delegated authority and a refusal to permit the full Commission from voting on an item that poses new questions of law and policy. We always welcome any efforts to make such an important program more efficient and accountable. But these efforts do not need to come at the expense of the consumers who could benefit from it. We therefore urge you to immediately reinstate the LBP designations already made and to preserve the ability for new carriers to efficiently and responsibly enter the Lifeline market nationally. Moving forward, we welcome the opportunity to continue working with to strengthen, not dismantle, this important social safety net program. Sincerely, Michael F. Doyle Member of Congress ~oa G-. ~\iJZ'"" - An:Shoo Member of Congress ,A,~ .~ ~D. Clarke Member of Congress Frank Pallone, Jr. Member of Congress Doris Matsui Member of Congress Diana DeGette Member of Congress rfPt!!dD. ~ chakows y Paul D. Tonko mber of Congress Member of Congress J ,~es (J -f--L- ~~ay~jai~ ~ Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress Debbie Dingell Member of Congress / ·. Gene Green Member of Congress